Bangladesh signed the “Brighton and Helsinki Declaration” on Wednesday to ensure equal rights, safety, and participation of women in sports. The signing marks a historic step in the development of women’s sports in the country.
Bangladesh Women’s Sports Association President Barrister Sarwat Siraj Shukla officially signed the declaration on behalf of Bangladesh at a hotel in the capital, reads a press release.
Lisa O’Keefe MBE, secretary general of the international organisation “Working Group on Women and Sport” (IWG Women & Sport), joined the signing ceremony virtually from the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Barrister Shukla said, “A historic milestone has been achieved through the signing of the ‘Brighton and Helsinki Declaration’ to elevate women’s sports to international standards and ensure equal opportunities, safety and participation of women in sports.”
She added, “This declaration will serve as a strong guideline to make the sports field safe, inclusive and professional for women. We are committed to showcasing the sports skills of Bangladesh women on the global stage.”
Terming the present government as sports-friendly, Barrister Shukla highlighted that this is the first time in the history of Bangladesh that a “Sports Diplomacy Wing” and a “Women’s Protection Committee” have been formed in the country.
Joining the event virtually from the UK, IWG Secretary General Lisa O’Keefe praised the initiative: “The signing of this agreement is a groundbreaking step in the advancement and empowerment of women’s sports in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s inclusion in this international network to advance the rights and opportunities of women athletes around the world is highly commendable.”
She expressed hope that other federations in Bangladesh will also come forward to sign this charter, following the example of the Bangladesh Women’s Sports Association.
The event was also attended by British High Commission in Dhaka Political Counsellor Rosie Combie, Head of the Sports Diplomacy Branch of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh BM Jamal Hossain, Bangladesh Women’s Protection Committee Chair Jobera Rahman Linu, Bangladesh Olympic Association Director General Brigadier General (Retd) Shefal Kabir, and Bangladesh Sports Education Institute (BKSP) Director General Brigadier General Mohammad Saif Ullah.
Leaders of the Women’s Protection Committee of the Bangladesh Olympic Association (BOA), the Bangladesh Sports Education Institute (BKSP), the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and senior officials of various national sports federations were also present at the ceremony.
